Hearing Loss and Dementia

Hearing loss is now recognized as a major risk factor for dementia. The 2024 Lancet Commission report on dementia prevention, treatment, and care shows strong evidence that treating hearing problems can lower the risk of dementia. Their recommendation is to “Make hearing aids accessible for people with hearing loss and decrease harmful noise exposure to reduce hearing loss.”

A recent article, “‘Striking’ Impact of Hearing Aids on Dementia Risk” by Deborah Brauser, highlights a 2026 study that confirms these findings: using hearing aids may help reduce the long-term risk of dementia.

However, hearing aids do not seem to improve overall cognition scores in older adults. More long-term studies are still needed. The evidence is stronger than ever that treating hearing loss with hearing aides is beneficial in reducing dementia risk.

Learn more:

• All About Hearing – National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
• Global Council on Brain Health – Hearing Report
• Hearing and Brain Health – Better Hearing

Find Hearing Resources Near You:

• Costco Hearing Aids Centers
  • Kona (808) 331-4847
  • Līhuʻe (808) 241-4024
  • Kahului (808) 877-9603
  • Hawaiʻi Kai (808) 394-3306
  • Kapolei (808) 674-3924
  • Iwilei (808) 526-6129
  • Waipio (808) 678-6130
• East Hawaii Health Clinic Audiology
  • Hilo (808) 932-3047
• Family Hearing Center Hawaii
  • Hilo (808) 746-8651
  • Kailua-Kona (808) 731-1041
  • Kahului (808) 468-6716
  • Honolulu (808) 650-5852
  • Kaneohe (808) 425-9749
  • Pearl City (808) 400-9473
  • Kahala (808) 468-6851
• Hearing Solutions Hawaii
  • Hilo 808-935-6358
  • Kona (808) 326-1073
• Island Audiology
  • Līhuʻe (808) 631-1457
  • Oʻahu (808) 955-4327
  • Kona (808) 329-0943
• Pacific Hearing Care (Kahului, Hilo, Līhuʻe, Honolulu, Mililani, Kaunakakai, Lānaʻi)
  • (808) 955-7366

This listing is intended for informational purposes only. Inclusion of an agency on this listing does not imply endorsement, nor is exclusion a reflection on the value or quality of an agency’s services.

Mahalo to Linda Axtell-Thompson for sharing this recent news article and research study!